MWNY: 20GB iPod Arrives, Cuts Prices


iPod is now available in 20, 10 and 5GB models, Steve Jobs announced this morning.

"1000, 2000 or 4000 songs", said the iCEO. The 20GB iPod steps up to the plate that 10 gigger's old price of $499. This time, it also comes with a case. The original 5GB iPod is now reduced to $299, while the 10GB version is $399.

The new iPods feature slimmer styling and a revised scroll wheel. The cases and remote controls are standard with new iPods, but current owners can buy the bundle for $39. They will be available in August.

iPod software has also come in for some attention, including the release of iTunes 3.0. Jobs demoed new iTunes browsing, while in hardware, iPod also features AAC audio, which is integrated into QuickTime 6.0. Higher fidelity sound from high-compression algorithms is a feature of AAC.

iSync is Apple's new software not only for iPod, but also for cell phones, linked by BlueTooth. Jobs demoed multiple devices hooked up to a Mac - iPod via FireWire and a cell phone via BlueTooth - and uploaded calendars and music simultaneously to the phone and iPod at the click of a button. iSync will be a free download.